title: Clinical evaluation of early cognitive symptoms.
abstract: The etiology of cognitive impairment in older adults is almost always a clinical diagnosis without definitive biomarkers. The clinical evaluation, therefore, is indispensable. Evaluating cognitive symptoms requires a deliberate approach to define the onset, course, and nature of symptoms. An informant who knows the patient well is essential. The physician must have a working knowledge of the basics of cognitive function. The neurologic examination also is fundamental to defining the origin of cognitive impairment. Extraocular movements, speech, and gait are examples of high-yield examination findings that can be observed and tested quickly, adding to the clinical impression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. Electronic address: mccar034@umn.edu.
authors.forename: J Riley
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: McCarten
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Alzheimer; Cognitive; Dementia; Executive; Memory